More than 3,700 people sign petition opposing parking charges

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MORE than 3,700 people have signed a petition urging Warrington Borough Council to overturn its controversial introduction of parking charges in Stockton Heath and Lymm.

There have been more than 500 signatories in the last week. The car parking charges are to be implemented at council car parks at The Forge, Stockton Heath, and at car parks in Lymm to generate income for the cash-strapped authority. Warrington Borough Council needs to plug a £30m gap in its finances.

The petition was started last month by Sally Sharma, a resident, business owner and councillor who is “deeply concerned about the proposed removal of free parking periods at Lymm and Stockton Heath car parks.”
She adds that the change “would have a detrimental effect on our community, potentially causing local businesses that we cherish to close.”
She pointed out that nine years ago, when parking was first suggested, “our community rallied together with over 3,000 people voicing their objection to the council.”
The resistance was heard and the council made changes that protected local businesses.
She added: “Parking charges can deter consumers from visiting local businesses, those that contribute to our unique community fabric.”
Other areas of the town with council car parks have free parking, she added. “And we must ask why we have the only car parks that will be charged?”
The council appears to have relaxed its original plan of removing nearly all free parking, by continuing with the 15-minute free period at The Forge car park in Stockton Heath.
Under the plans, one hour free parking in Lymm is to be scrapped along with free parking in Stockton Heath after 3pm.
The measures will come into effect later this year following a consultation.
The car parks affected are The Forge, and Pepper Street, Henry Street and Davies Way in Lymm.
Under the proposals, it will cost 70 pence to park for an hour in Lymm.
Stockton Heath, meanwhile, will see standard parking charges extended til 5pm and a lower evening rate introduced.
Between 5pm and 10pm Monday to Saturday at the Forge, parking will be free for one hour with no return within two hours.
For more than an hour the evening rate is £1.40, with all-day return permitted.
Cllr Hans Mundry, leader of the council, speaking last month said: “While we are proposing to remove free parking periods in Stockton Heath and Lymm as part of our work to make savings across the board, we are committed to keeping the new charges to the absolute minimum.”
He said the proposals reflected the “difficult choices necessary” to achieve savings and protect frontline services.
The petition can be viewed HERE


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  1. She doesnt own a business in warrington though does she? Wonder if the council car park in knutsford where she works charges people to park during the day? Oh look, it does.

  2. Lymm will be struggling for business now because of the closure of the Bridgewater canal.
    It needs all the help and assistance it can get.
    This proposal of increasing car parking fees is not going to help.

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